BBC News - UN slams Vatican for protecting priests over child abuse

BBC News - UN slams Vatican for protecting priests over child abuse:

 The UN has denounced the Vatican for "systematically" adopting policies allowing priests to sexually abuse thousands of children.

The UN watchdog for children's rights said the Holy See must "immediately remove" all clergy who are known or suspected child abusers.

It heavily criticised the Vatican's attitudes towards homosexuality, contraception and abortion.

The Vatican has set up a commission to fight child abuse in the Church.

It is expected to issue a statement on the report later on Wednesday.

The committee's recommendations are non-binding and there is no enforcement mechanism.

 

Vatican officials were questioned in
December over why the Holy See would not open its files on priests known
to be child abusers